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Salisbury, both to bid William to the wedding and to have his name as witness to the contract also. I have written to him, of course, to say that he need not sign if he doubts the king's reaction. It will thus be some days before you will have your copy back again, but I desired to have all made safe before the king's messenger should come, if one should come. On another matter, I have knowledge now of where the camp of the reavers lies. I will wait some little time before attempting it, however, in the hope that hunger will make them desperate and they will come to me. Do not, therefore, expect to see me soon unless, of course, you have need of me. If so, send, and I will come. Written this ides of October by Ian, Lord de Vipont."
Having reread the letter twice, Alinor drew breath sharply through her teeth. Did Lord de Vipont think he was dealing with a child having a tantrum? Glancingly, her mind gave credit to the fact that Ian was not mean or petty. He had signed the contract and taken every precaution to ensure its validity. In addition, he had taken no nasty little revenge, such as leaving her in doubt of what he had done or what he intended. On the other hand, he seemed to feel that withdrawing the company of his exquisite person would bring her to heel. Did he really think she would beg pardon and plead with him to return? Did he think she could not manage to prepare for the wedding without him? Dear Ian had much to learn about his lady.
The date was settled for the first day of December, and Alinor knew the names of the men Ian wished to invite. There was nothing else she needed him for until it was necessary for him to take the vows in person and bed her. Alinor stared across the hall to the fire on the far side. A very faint smile lifted her lips and made her expression perfectly enchanting. She was remembering the avidity on Ian's face when he looked down at her some days ago.
"Lord de Vipont indeed," she whispered softly. "May-

 
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